Hello from Miami! Looking for advice.

[OSOK]

Hi all!  Just wanted to introduce myself... not much to say other than I've been mtbing for 2 years and looking to do long, multi-day rides.

I've always "wanted" to do it, and now the time is getting closer to actually doing it.  I got some info over from MTBR.com and was directed here. 

My main concern has to do with the camping part.  The ride I plan on doing will be taking off from Miami and headed somewhere North (not many other places to go, lol), probably something around 500 miles or so.  I don't want to camp in established campsites, but simply wherever I end up at, and therein lies the problem.  I'm having trouble figuring out where I would be, at any given time, to know where I would camp.  That, and also to know if there would be even be areas around hospitable for camping.

I don't know if I'm over-analyzing this or not... I know planning is a big part of this, and this is the biggest part I'm having problems with.  Everything else, I think, will just come down to trial and error (gear, food, etc)... I don't think, though, that weather I can camp or not when im 300 miles away from home should be left to trial and error.

Help?

Thank you!
Bryan

[Done]

I don't know anything about camping in Florida, but I expect at some things are pretty similar everywhere. Here are some thoughts.
1. Stay away from places where people can bother you. As in, someplace that police won't find reason to hassle you for being "homeless," and thugs won't see you as a target. In general, getting away from civilization is safer--fewer people, fewer problems.
2. Camping on private land without permission is often a bad idea, especially if you can be seen. But sometimes you can just ask a farmer if it's OK.
3. Keep a low profile. Big tents, smokey fires, etc. attract attention. A natural-colored bivy bag can blend in pretty easily.
4. Stop late, and start early. If you're in and out before someone takes exception to your presence, you can sleep in places that you might otherwise want to avoid.
5. Don't make a mess. Poop in a hole; don't leave trash.
6. Be polite. Most people will cut you some slack if they know that you're just a friendly tourist trying to get through an adventure.

[jhl99]

The best alternative is to end up on public land each night where dispersed/primitive camping is permitted.  Not sure how that aligns with the situation in FLA. 

Failing the above option, and adding to Toby's bullet points, do a search on 'stealth camping'.  It is the form of camping where camping isn't exactly above board.

Maintaining a low profile is a good idea, regardless of where you camp.

[OSOK]

Wow guys...

I read these replies on my phone while on the way home from work at midnight... in Miami (as urban as it gets), and started looking around to see spots where I could "camp."

ANYWHERE!!

I saw soooo many places where I could easily hide behind some buildings, camp between bushes, etc!  I know these are not the best locations, but if it's doable in a million places I saw on the way home, then I should have no problem finding a suitable place on my actual ride. :-)

Keep the info coming guys please!

Thanks!

[Slowerthensnot]

creeps some folks out but i've crashed in a few cemeteries before.....